A sloped ground can be viewed as a bit of a nightmare when it comes to landscaping or creating an outdoor space. While it may be difficult, sloped ground can actually lead to a beautiful and unique outdoor space, so don’t give up on it that easily.

The lines and aesthetically pleasing curves could give you a stunning space, with the right strategy and looking at the area creatively. But how can you practically do this on difficult terrain? You know you want to refresh and create a space that can be enjoyed but are not sure where to start.

Here are three of the best ways to start working with sloped ground in your garden.

Steps or Terrace
In order to create visual zones, terracing or steps is a great place to start in a sloping garden. We would recommend you be eco-friendly and look into using recycled materials to create your steps and terrace. There are some amazing examples of this online, especially using recycled building materials. Using steps and a terrace to draw the eye can create a great canvas for a variety of plants. Try and think about using different heights of flowers and shrubs in pots or beds to get a great visual impact. If your garden has a steep slope you may need to get a professional on board to move some dirt around.

Decking
Decking is a great option to give your garden some layers and also create a more usable outdoor space. You could even segment the space going up the slope and have different decking areas, such as a kids or workout space. With sloped ground, building decking can be a challenge though. That's where Stop Digging ground screws come in. They are available in different lengths, and so they can be installed in the ground to different heights so that when the decking is laid on top it will be level. This is a great option that opens up so many more opportunities for creating tailored areas without the backbreaking hard landscaping, and no moving tons of soil around.

Structures
Some people may think that a sloped ground will mean that it’s not possible to put up a garden building, to build a garage, garden room or pergola. That is where they are wrong. With ground anchors, you can easily erect a structure even on sloped ground. The depth of the screw can easily be adjusted to ensure that when they are installed that they are all level. This also ensures that any structure on top is also level, giving you the option for a variety of structures despite having sloped ground. Viewing a sloped garden as a creative challenge can result in a very satisfying and beautiful outdoor space. If you would like to learn more about how Stop Digging ground screws could work for you in your garden please feel free to contact us at: https://stopdigging.co.uk/find-your-installer/

There are many different options when it comes to materials for your projects. Whether you are constructing a garden room or a fence, traditionally concrete has been used in a majority of construction jobs to help keep these structures stable. But now there is a better way, and that way is ground screws. But what are ground screws for?  

 There are so many uses for Stop Digging ground screws. Ground screws are perfect for small jobs like signs, pergolas, fences or decking and then larger projects like houses, school buildings, home extensions, portable homes, site set up and much more. Have a browse through our portfolio with a sample of our projects https://stopdigging.co.uk/build/reference-pictures/  

  In this article, we will look at three reasons why you should be using ground screws instead of concrete, no matter what job you are doing.  

1. Ground Screws save you time 

 Wouldn’t it be great in our work to be able to half the time, find a solution to get more jobs done, that is cost-effective and takes the aggravation out of jobs. In our busy lives, we don’t want to spend too long on a job, and we also need it to be as pain-free as possible!   

Stop Digging ground screws can help. Firstly it saves time. We all know that time equals money in this world, so this is good news all round. Secondly, it saves your back. A lifetime in construction helps us appreciate that protecting your back and health is a big priority.  

  How long does it take to dig out foundations and make a concrete base for a standard size garden room? Perhaps 2 days until it’s dry and ready to install the garden room? 

With Stop Digging screw piles this could just take half a day. Each screw takes just minutes to install, saving you valuable time and money.  

Digging is hard work, and you may need to hire labourers. Then having to wait for concrete to dry, weather conditions getting in the way delaying the job even further. With Stop Digging these problems won’t be an issue. We supply and install the screws, ready for the base and structure to be placed on top. No hauling heavy concrete around will mean your back will thank you. 

 Sounds great, but are ground screws expensive?  

 Well, that is where you will be surprised, the pricing is most likely less than you think. That is why so many builders and landscapers these days are scrapping the traditional method of concrete foundations and moving towards screw piles.  

   2. Ground Screws solve difficult construction issues 

 There are many obstacles that builders and landscapers face on the day to day running of jobs.  Finding a solution quickly is crucial if you want things to run smoothly. Ground anchors can provide brilliant solutions to some of the problems you face.  

 Here are just a few examples of what we mean:  

• Conservation areas – Many conservation areas will simply not allow concrete to be used on them, or any damage sustained to the surrounding areas. Ground screws are perfect as they do not cause damage to the ground and surrounding areas, and they can be removed and recycled. They can even be used near tree roots as a workaround for TPO’s. Stop Digging Screw piles are widely regarded as a very localised, low impact option as the certified installer will use handheld portable equipment and a no-dig approach that ensures any damage to tree roots is heavily mitigated.  

• Sloped ground – Ground screws are perfect for sloped ground as we have different length screws that we can install to match the gradient of the slope. No need to worry about structures sliding down the hill.  

• Over water – Even if there is water, it is not a problem for our ground screws. They come in a variety of models with different brackets length and dimensions, so can adapt to a variety of ground conditions. We also have several special attachments for applications demanding a more tailored fit.  

• Difficult to access areas – when customers have terrace houses or locations that are difficult to access, digging foundations and creating a concrete base can be a real issue. Where do you put the mud? It has to go somewhere. You either have to haul it through the house and risk messing up the place or get a crane to carry the skip over the house. No matter what the options are, it’s all just aggravation. But with Stop Digging ground screws there is no need for skips or any mess. We can bring handheld machinery if it is difficult to access the area, and there is no mess or damage as the ground anchors simply screw into the ground.  

     3.Ground Screws make you stand out from the crowd 

 You are working hard to provide a fantastic service for your customers, but you are not quite sure how to go the extra mile. We know that you want to stand out from your competitors and give them something to tell their friends about.    

• You can offer them an environmentally friendly solution. 

More than ever people are trying to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint. Governments and companies also have strict deadlines to meet to reduce carbon emissions. Being able to offer them an option that is much better for the environment than using concrete will give you the edge over your competitors. Stop Digging ground screws offer up to 50% fewer carbon emissions than equivalent concrete support with the same or better results.  

• You can offer to complete their job in less time than their competitors.  

Time is so important to customers. It also makes business sense for you to make time-effective choices. Not waiting for concrete to set will ensure a faster finish time and a happy customer.  

• You can offer the least disruption to their garden.  

When a construction project is going on, it can lead to a mess and be massively disruptive. With ground screws, you can guarantee your customer that their garden will not be damaged during the works. 

  When customers are comparing companies they are always looking for someone who is efficient, that makes principled decisions, and who is going to provide the service with the least disruption to their lives. With Stop Digging ground screws you will be able to offer all of these perks and make sure you beat the competition.  

To summarise there are three main reasons why Stop Digging ground screws are the best option for your projects:  

1. They can save you time, money and work 

1. They can solve tricky construction issues  

1. They make you stand out from your competitors  

We also offer a 25-year guarantee on our screws that will really give you peace of mind in their strength. However the duration of them is much much longer, this is just the guarantee period. Contact us if you have questions, would like advice on possible solutions, or to receive a quote and book an installation. 

Have a look at our online price calculator to get an estimate of how much your job might cost.

As ground screws are becoming ever more popular and talked about, people that are only hearing about them for the first time naturally have many questions.

In this article, we answer the 12 most googled questions about ground screws.

Ground screws are also known as ground anchors, ground pins, screw anchors, screw piles, helical screws, earth anchors, earth screws.

1. What are Ground Screws?

Ground screws are large steel screws that replace the need to dig traditional foundations and lay concrete.  

2. Can I install the Ground Screws myself?

No, Stop Digging supply and install the ground screws. We have specialist machinery to install the screws and our installers have been trained and certified.

3. How do Ground Screws work?

On arrival at the site, we scan the area to ensure there are no pipes or electric cables, we drill pilot holes for ground screws to ensure there are no large rocks and it is suitable, we then set out the screw locations, then we will insert the screws, each screw takes just minutes to ensure and we use a laser to level them off.

That’s it, ready for your base, structure or objects to be placed on top.

4. How many Ground Screws do I need?

This will all depend on the size and weight of your project. For a garden room, a typical rule of thumb would be one screw per square meter.

To get a bit more of an accurate guide, use our calculator here or even better get in touch for a free estimate and we will be able to give a much more accurate number.

5. How much do Ground Screws cost?

The price of a ground screw depends on which screw you are using. Our cost is for supply of the screw and the installation. They start from as little as £50+VAT per screw (supply and install) check out our online calculator here for a better guide or if you would like an accurate quote, please do get in touch with us.

6. What are Ground Screws made of?

Stop digging ground screws are manufactured from steel, ISO 630 Fe 360A. They are galvanised according to DIN EN ISO 1461. Click here to find out more about our screws.

7. Where can I buy Ground Screws?

If you want Stop Digging ground screws, you just need to get in touch with us. We supply and install the screws and take any hassle away.

8. What are Ground Screws used for?

Ground screws can be used for many things such as:

SIP Panel Extensions, timber framed houses, mobile homes, shipping containers, porta cabins, glamping pods, playground equipment, solar panels, signs, fencing, decking, pergolas, carports, sports equipment, site fencing, flag poles and much more!

9. What size are Ground Screws?

The ground screws range from 865mm to a whopping 2500mm find out more about Stop Digging screws here

10. Why use a Ground Screw?

There are many reasons to use ground screws over concrete. Ground screws are much faster to install, saving you valuable time. Time = money. In addition, they often work out cheaper than the cost of digging foundations and creating a concrete base. They save so much hassle and do not cause damage to the surrounding area. They are better for the environment and can be used in conservation areas, near trees, on slopes and uneven ground.

11. Why are Ground Screws green?

The process of a ground screw, emits 50% less carbon emissions than a concrete block covering the same area. In addition, no damage is caused to the area where the building/structure has been placed with screws. They are even reusable.

12. Are Ground Screws any good?

What a great question. The answer to that would be YES. Ground screws solve many problems that a contractor or person might have when using concrete. They save time, hassle and money. They even come with a 25-year guarantee. What could be better than that?

Summary

So there you have it, the answers to the most googled questions about ground screws.

Do you have a question about ground screws that hasn’t be answered in this article? Please do get in touch with us, we would love to hear from you – find your installer

Ground screws are also known as ground anchors, ground pins, screw anchors, screw piles, helical screws, earth anchors, earth screws.

Why builders, landscapers and garden room installers should use ground screws in 2021

Are you a builder, landscaper or garden room company? Perhaps you have seen ground screws and find the concept interesting but haven’t tried them out yet?

In this article is going to explore;

Why ground screws will be increasingly popular in 2021

How they can benefit your business

As we wrap up the crazy year of 2020, most of us will be looking ahead and wondering how 2021 will pan out. If you are a builder or landscaper, there is a good chance your business actually had a successful year. With everyone spending much more time at home, there was an increasing need for garden offices, extensions, decking, patio’s etc

This trend will likely continue through 2021 and even beyond as many businesses are already considering working from home being the new normal.

One of the great benefits of ground screws is the amount of time that is saved using them. Each screw takes just minutes to install. If you compare that to digging foundations, making a concrete base and waiting for it to dry, this could take you a couple of days for a standard size garden room. Whereas with Stop Digging ground screws, we will be in and out within a few hours ready for the garden building to be placed on top. This allows you to take on more work with this extra time that you are saving.

As you will have noticed, people are becoming much more aware of the damage that is being done to the environment and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. The ground screws are a great way to do this and are a more environmentally friendly alternative to concrete. If you are able to offer this option to your customers, you may even win jobs from your competitors.

Also, businesses and particularly the public sector have targets to hit in this environmental area, by offering to build their projects on ground screws, it gives you an edge over your competitors.

Temporary structures

Just like 2020, in 2021 it will be another year of uncertainty. Therefore, many business and individuals will want temporary buildings and structures built. The great thing about ground screws, is they do not cause damage to the ground and they are reusable.

As you will know digging the foundations is a tough, messy job and hurts your back. At Stop Digging, we supply and install the ground screws with our specialist machinery, saving you all the hassle.

You may read this article and say that you don’t offer garden rooms, why would these screws be of use to you. They are certainly not only suitable for garden buildings. Have a look below at some other uses for our screws.

SIP Panel Extensions, timber framed houses, mobile homes, shipping containers, porta cabins, glamping pods, playground equipment, solar panels, signs, fencing, decking, pergolas, carports, sports equipment, site fencing, flag poles and much more

 

Ground screws are also known as ground anchors, screw piles, helical piles, earth screw, screw anchor, earth anchor.

Would you like to get an approximate price for your project? Have a look at our online calculator